Simon says relax

To a wonderful sandy beach that stretches for two kilometres along a very big, clear lake. It looks like a beach in Florida or some Caribbean resort but it is actually in the Outaouais in Quebec.

The Outaouais, how far is it?

The beach is about 120 kilometres northeast of Ottawa at the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon, in Duhamel, Que. (Duhamel is roughly 60 kilometres north of Thurso.) The centre has camping and cabins and is part of the Quebec provincial park system.

It took us just under two hours to get there, but we poked along, stopping several times to admire the scenery, including nice views of the Petite Nation River.

What did you do when you got there?

The usual. We stuck our beach umbrella into the sand, set up chairs, laid out our beach blanket and claimed our little bit of heaven. We chose not to set up right at the main beach, where the place was the busiest. We easily found a less populated spot up toward one end of the beach. After that, my friend and I jumped in the water and went for a wonderful, long swim.

So what was that like?

Fabulous. The water was amazingly clear and also very calm the day we were there, so we could see far down into the water. We swam to a spot where snorkelers were congregating and found some old logs and rocks, where fish darted about.

Was there a lifeguard?

We swam outside the area supervised by lifeguards. But there is a large enclosed area at the main beach with supervised swimming daily from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m.( Starting Aug. 18 until the end of September, supervised swimming will only be available on weekends.)

Did you do anything besides swim and sit?

Not much. We had a picnic, read and snoozed. I did go for a walk, intending to stroll the full length of the beach from a boat launch at one end to a campground at the other. But I stopped to watch beach volleyball games, admire various sand castles and never did make it too far. After a bit, I returned to our spot, flopped in a chair and went back to reading and snacking on pretzels and pop.

What else is there to do for those who don't like fritter their day away on naps and trashy romance novels?

Well, lots, actually, although I must take exception to the term "fritter." Personally, I think snoozing and reading something light are the perfect beach pastimes.

If you must be active, however, there is lots to choose from. There are nets on the main beach for impromptu volleyball games, a children's playground, and a concession that rents kayaks, canoes and pedal boats, all at the main beach.

At the far end of that beach, boating and fishing enthusiasts can rent a variety of boats from Location Sport Duhamel, including fishing boats, personal watercraft, pontoon boats and more. (Check requirements for boat rentals. 1-819-428-9203.)

Elsewhere in the park are hiking and biking paths and there is a mini golf course at the main gate of the centre.

How big is this place, anyway?

Pretty big. Lac Simon covers about 28 square kilometres and the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon covers four square kilometres of woods and beach. The park's main emphasis seems to be on its 400-spot campground and its rentals of large and small cabins, but you can go in just for the day.

What does it cost?

The day pass is $6 per adult and $3 per child under 12.

Any complaints?

Just one. I didn't see any public change rooms on the beach, although there were washrooms. It wasn't really a problem for us because we wore our suits under our clothes, but it did seem odd given all the other amenities.

How do you get there?

From Gatineau, head east on Highway 50 and exit just before Masson-Angers (exit 166). Follow Chemin de Masson off to the right as it goes through Masson-Angers and becomes Route 148.

After you reach Thurso, turn left onto Route 317 north.

Route 317 eventually becomes Route 321 which takes you to Duhamel, where there will be signs to the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon, at 1216 Rue Principale.

Almost Done!

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